As the year races to its end, we are once again approaching the season of discomfort. In the United States, the flu season starts at the beginning of October, hence, preparations are in earnest to protect oneself against the influenza virus.

The annual flu vaccination is a collective effort to prevent the spread of influenza virus. It is designed by the government for anyone older than 6 months. Although it plays a major role in controlling the spread of flu, this article highlights other ways that can get you prepared for flu season.  Visit AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer for your walk-in flu shot today!

Influenza causes & symptoms

Influenza is a contagious disease that affects the respiratory system, including the ears, nose, and throat. It is caused by the influenza virus and can either be mild or life-threatening. Influenza is often asymptomatic for the first few days as affected individuals are unaware of the infection until a few days after.

During this period, the infected individual influenza virus would infect more people, especially those in the immediate environment. Most flu cases are mild and are often treated with OTC prescriptions. However, it can be fatal in people with existing lung diseases such as asthma. Influenza manifests in different ways and shares symptoms with allergic reactions. Common symptoms of influenza include:

• Sudden fever
• Dry cough
• Difficulty in breathing, especially those with pre-existing lung conditions
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Nasal congestion

When is the best time to get a flu shot?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises the public to get their flu shot before the flu season approaches. Thus, you should get the vaccination in September to prepare for the October flu season. If you fail to do so, you can still get your flu shots by the end of October or early November in preparation for the flu season in February and May.

It's important to know that getting your flu earlier in August or July does not benefit you. Instead, it puts you at a high risk of getting the virus as the potency of the vaccination is at its lowest. Pregnant women in their third trimesters are the exception to the early vaccination rule because the flu shots can protect the fetus and also the first few months of life. Some people require just one dose of the shots while others need two for overall protection. Ensure you visit your urgent care center to know how many shots you need.

Benefits of getting flu shots at urgent care

Flu shots protect against the influenza virus that infects people. It works against the common types of influenza viruses A, B, and C. Here are the following benefits of getting flu shots at urgent care:

• Getting a flu shot at an urgent care center protects your body from the contagious influenza virus, particularly during the peak flu season.
• The professionals offer additional education on how to protect yourself and your family from the flu.
• Scared of needles, urgent care centers can also administer flu shots via a nasal spray.
• Flu shots reduce further lung complications.
• Flu shots reduce your sick days and make you more productive.

AFC Urgent Care Denver Speer is open seven days a week and provides all services on a walk-in basis. Bring your family in today to get flu shots! No appointment necessary.